The Effect of Current Design Trends in Automotive Fuel Economy Upon Engine Oil Viscometric Requirements

The fuel efficiency of the automobile is the focus of major engineering efforts and has been for ten years. One of the questions frequently raised concerning these engineering trends toward improved fuel efficiency has been of what effect these trends will have on the life of the engine, particularly on the oil’s ability to maintain hydro-dynamic lubrication. The authors assess the present and developing situation using a sizable database constructed from the engineering data and sales of the last 12 years and contrasting this information with the theory and practice of lubrication.